Road deaths soared in the Thames Valley last year

Police in the Thames Valley have reported a dramatic 36 per cent increase in the number of road fatalities last year.

A total of 78 people died in 72 road crashes in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire during 2014.

The number of deaths has gone up from the previous year when 57 people died in 55 fatal crashes.

Head of Roads Policing Chief Inspector Henry Parsons said: “The rise in fatal collisions across the Thames Valley is exceptionally disappointing with each fatality causing untold misery and distress to the loved ones of the people who died.

“Each statistic represents a family which has lost someone in sudden and tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain with families affected in this way.

"Specially-trained family liaison officers are appointed to provide support in these circumstances.

“The causes of the collisions are varied, with many still under investigation.

"Some of these involve criminal investigations for causing death by dangerous driving or death by careless driving.”

Compared to 2013, there has been a rise in the number of pedestrians, cyclists , car drivers , car passengers and lorry killed in collisions.

The number of motorcyclists and van drivers and passengers killed on the force’s road network has dropped.

Last year 19 people died in Berkshire in 18 collisions, 27 people died in 27 crashes in Oxfordshire, in Buckinghamshire 20 people died in 16 collisions and 12 people died in Milton Keynes in 11 collisions.

Ch Insp Parsons added: “Our team works in partnership with local authorities and other emergency services to improve road safety. We will continue to deliver targeted enforcement to reduce the risks of collisions.

“In addition we will continue to deliver innovative, appropriate, alternatives to prosecution as well as our Safe Drive, Stay Alive package aimed at young people and our Bike Safe campaign for motorcyclists.”